According to the Dutch law you are residing legally in the Netherlands until the moment your residence permit expires (dates indicated on the permit itself). After the indicated date you have 28 days to leave the Netherlands without a problem. At the moment you are planning to leave the Netherlands after the 28 days are over we strongly advise you to apply for an extension of your residence permit.
When should you apply:
- When you plan to continue you study in the next academic year, you are advised to apply as soon as possible. The application can take 12 weeks or longer.
- When you plan to graduate just after your residence permit expires (and planning to leave the Netherlands after the additional 28 days are over), you are advised to apply just before your residence permit expires, one week before the indicated expiry date.
There are two ways to apply for an extension of your residence permit:
Option 1: Using the application form which the IND sends out app. 3 months before the expiry date of your residence permit:
A couple of months before your current residence permit expires the IND starts sending out letters (in Dutch) with a partly pre-filled Dutch application form. Check the pre-filled information carefully and complete the rest of the form.
At the moment you completed this form you do NOT have to complete the short extension package!!
Option 2: Using the short (bilingual) extension package
The Nuffic and the IND made a special short application package for students. This application form is a substitute for the Dutch form, which the IND sends. Both forms are accepted by the IND.
Along with the application you need to submit the following of documents:
- A passport photo (a new one, not older then 6 months and not the same as the first one)
- Copy of your passport valid until at least Dec. 2011
- Proof of enrolment (you can ask this at the student desk, but your tuition fees have to be paid)
- If you have a scholarship, a scholarship proof, also available at the student desk.
- If applicable: letter stating that you are able to complete your study within the maximum number of years. (applicable in case of Change of MSc programme before completion of first MSc)
Application procedure:
- Complete one of the application forms and add the required documents
- Send the forms to the IND: Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, T.a.v. Klantdirectie Regulier Economisch, Postbus 245, 7600 AE Almelo.
- When the IND receives your application they will send a bank payment slip (acceptgiro) to the address which is registered at the municipality! Please use the bank payment slip to pay the application fee within 2 weeks time. Not paying in the indicated time will result in a rejection of the application
- The payment slip is also your proof of receipt. You should receive this payment slip within 3 weeks after sending the documents to the IND.
- After receiving the payment the IND will start processing your application.
- The IND might contact you by POSTAL mail and ask for additional documents. You need to reply to this letter within 2 weeks. Not replying within 2 weeks time will result in a rejection of the application.
- If the application is approved the IND will inform you by postal mail again.
- A few weeks after you receive the approval, you will receive an invitation to pick up your new residence permit
Please note:
When your residence permit expires during your stay abroad, you need to arrange a return visa BEFORE you leave the Netherlands.
The IND will send letters to you in the Dutch language, the Student Helpdesk and the International Student Support team are available to help you with the translation of the letters and are able to advise you during the application process.
The Dutch Government has set a maximum amount of years you are allowed to stay in the Netherlands for the purpose of study. The basic rules are described here.
Any Questions? Check our 'Questions & Answers'